There is a continuation of the free fall in the commercial real estate market and problems for our small/medium sized banks. Government agency reporting or mis-reporting of inflation, growth, and unemployment under the microscope with the reality of a difficult economy is starting to surface for all to see. White collar workers are facing new and serious job retention issues with many new layoffs reported on a weekly basis. China is stockpiling raw materials, including copper and gold, while reducing their holding of the burgeoning U.S. government debt. Recent debt auctions reflect an insufficient interest in traditional investors in U.S. Treasury securities with expectations of higher long term interest rates.